Hibiscus plant named Lava

ABSTRACT

A Hibiscus plant named Lava particularly characterized by its bright orange flower color, regular flower form, small to medium sized leaves with a serrated margin, vigorous upright growth, excellent branching action, single day flower life, good low light bud initiation, and ease of rooting cuttings.

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus,botanically known as Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis L., and referred to by thecultivar named Lava.

Lava, identified as 83026015 during the breeding and selection process,originated from a planned cross hybridization between two selectedbreeding lines in a controlled breeding program in Fort Myers, Fla. byFrank C. Moser.

The female or seed parent is an unnamed cultivar designated as code#0005 and the pollen or male parent is an unnamed cultivar designated ascode #0002.

Lava was discovered and selected as a flowering plant within the progenyof the stated cross by Frank C. Moser in October 1983, outside in groundbeds in Fort Myers, Fla.

The first asexual reproduction of Lava was accomplished when vegetativecuttings were taken from the initial plant selection in November of 1983in Fort Myers, Fla. from plants grown outside in ground beds, bytechnicians working under formulations established and supervised byFrank C. Moser.

Horticultural examinations of controlled flowerings of successivegenerations of plants derived from cuttings taken from the originalselection have shown that the unique combination of characteristics asherein disclosed for Lava are fixed and retained through successivegenerations of asexual reproduction.

Lava has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions.The phenotype may vary significantly with variation in environment suchas temperature and light intensity.

The following observations, measurements and comparisons describe plantsthat were grown in Fort Myers, Fla. in a controlled greenhouseenvironment and following a commercial schedule.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined tobe basic characteristics of Lava, which, in combination, distinguishthis Hibiscus as a new and distinct cultivar:

1. Bright orange flower color.

2. Regular single flower form.

3. Small to medium sized leaves, with serrated margins.

4. Vigorous upright growth.

5. Excellent branching habit.

6. Flower life is a single day.

7. Good low light bud initiation.

8. Easy to root.

The accompanying photographic drawings show typical plant habit, andflower and leaf characteristics of Lava, with colors being as nearlytrue as possible with illustrations of this type.

Sheet 1 is a color photograph of Lava grown as a commercially finishedpot plant.

Sheet 2 is a color photograph illustrating the distinctivecharacteristics of the upper and lower surfaces of the flower.

Sheet 3 is a color photograph showing the variation in leaf shape thatcan characteristically be found on any one plant of Lava.

Of the commercial cultivars known to the inventor, the most similar incomparison to Lava is the cultivar Moesiana. Lava is similar to Moesianain that both cultivars have vigorous growth, branch profusely, areeasily rooted, have good low light bud initiation and are veryfloriferous.

Lava differs from Moesiana in that its flowers are a bright orange colorwhile Moesiana bears a scarlet flower. Lava is much more resistant tobacterial leaf spot and has more sturdy branches. Also, the leaves ofLava are not as deeply cut as those in Moesiana.

In the following description, color references are made to The RoyalHorticultural Society Colour Chart. The color readings were taken fromgreenhouse grown plants on Jan. 28, 1987. All readings were taken in anoffice under cool white florescent lights, facing a west window betweenthe hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Classification:

Botanical.--Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis L. cv. Vista.

Commercial.--Greenhouse pot crop.

INFLORESCENCE

A. Flower (general):

Size.--Medium, 11.5 cm.

Borne.--In axils of leaves, 1 per node.

Form.--Regular single.

Life.--1 day.

Fragrance.--None.

Blooming habit.--Continuously, year round.

B. Corolla (petals):

Texture.--Smooth, veins slightly raised up.

Substance.--Medium thick.

Shape.--Rounded.

Color (fully open).--Upper surface: base color dark orange 33A; eye, red45B. Lower surface: predominantly dark orange 33A.

C. Bud (1 day prior to opening):

Size.--7 cm in length.

Shape.--Cigar shaped.

Color.--Orange red 34A.

D. Calyx: Cup shaped, 5 pointed lobes, a single prominent midvein perlobe, membranous.

Length.--3 cm.

Color.--Light green 144B.

E. Epicalyx: 6-8 pointed, narrow, sword-shaped bracts.

Length.--2 cm.

Color.--Green 137C.

F. Peduncle:

Length.--5-8 cm.

Strength.--Medium.

Aspect.--Smooth.

Color.--Yellowish green 143C.

G. Reproductive organs:

(1) Androecium (stamens).--Anthers: Numerous, Color (undehicsed) peach37A. Filaments: Length 8 mm, Dark orange 33A. Pollen: Abundant, Colordark yellow 17A. Staminal column: Length 8 cm, Color orange 30A, Upper25% antheriferous.

(2) Gynoecium (pistil).--Stigma: 5 in number, rounded, discoid, hairy.Color: Red 45B, diameter 2 mm. Style: Length 9 cm, Color red 45B.Branches: 5 in number, Color white. Ovary: Rounded, Color yellowishgreen 150C.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

A. Foliage:

Arrangement.--Alternate.

Shape.--Juvenile: Heterophyllus. Mature: Entire, cordate, serrated edge.Color: Dark green 139A.

Petiole.--Length 3.5-4.5 cm, Aspect smooth. Color: Green 137B.

Stipules.--2 per node, Shape acicular (needle shaped). Color: Green137A.

B. Stems: Aspect smooth, becoming woody with age.

C. Plant habit: Upright.

D. Breaking action: Excellent.

E. Rooting: Good.

F. Growth regulator: Required, due to vigorous growth.

G. Low light bud initiation: Good.

H. Shipping tolerance: Good.

I claim:
 1. A new and distinct cultivar of Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis namedLava, as described and illustrated, and particularly characterized as touniqueness by the combined characteristics of bright orange flowercolor, regular flower forms, small to medium sized leaves with aserrated margin, vigorous upright growth, excellent branching action,single day flower life, good low light bud initiation, and ease ofrooting cuttings.